Over 600 businesses owned and operated by Syrian refugees in Turkey’s Gaziantep

A total of 614 businesses, mainly in the textile, logistic, footwear and plastic sectors, have so far been established by Syrians in Gaziantep, which hosts more than 350,000 Syrian refugees. 

The head of the Gaziantep Chamber of Trade (GTO), Eyüp Bartık, said Syrian refugees have become one of the main driving forces of the local economy. 

“When our Syrian friends first came to our city, we believed they would make a great contribution to our economy. Time has showed we were right, as they have become of the key motor of our economy… We believe that this contribution will be higher when we boost cooperation and make business together. Besides, with the work permits [for Syrian refugees] becoming active, they will join the work force more,” he said, as quoted by Anadolu Agency. 

Bartık named Syria, Iraq, Iran and Russia as their main target markets. 

Turkey is to grant work permits to Syrian refugees, an official statement said Jan. 15, in a key move which could allow Syrians to build more prosperous and stable lives in the country.

An announcement in Turkey’s Official Gazette said work permits would be granted to refugees who have fled to the country to escape the conflicts in their homeland.

It did not specify nationality, but the measure chiefly applies to the over 2.2 million Syrians who have fled the almost five-year conflict for the safety of Turkey, as well as some 300,000 Iraqis.